Are THC-Drinks Outpacing Alcohol

Here’s Your Baseline: Drinking Habits of Americans are Changing Fast and daily cannabis use has now outpaced booze in America’s daily drinking arena, according to an NIH study that’s tracked reported behaviors through four decades of consumer drinking trends. And the fact is that consumers are asking, “are cannabis drinks alcohol alternatives” for the mainstream?

Drinking Habits are Quickly Changing — Are You An Early Adopter?

As many Americans — particularly younger generations — embrace the “sober curious” movement and practices like the popular Dry January initiative, alcohol alternatives are gaining significant traction. Out of personal necessity, this writer has extended that initiative for the remaining future and I’ll touch on that in a moment. But among these emerging options, cannabis-infused beverages are making a dent and have carved out a rapidly-growing and serious niche in the market. But what exactly are these drinks, and how do they compare to traditional alcoholic beverages in terms of health impacts, cost, and overall benefits?

The Rise of Cannabis Beverages

Cannabis-infused drinks are being marketing to consumers as a healthier alternative to alcohol and many on the market (the seltzers at least) have no calories and no sugars and paint a convincing argument for calorie-counters and anyone concerned about their blood sugars. And the benefits of CBD drinks are numerous, working to balance out the body’s endocannabinoid system. In fact, some studies have shown that they can help reduce anxiety and depression, as well as boost serotonin levels. We’ve only scratched the surface and I’ll caution that a ton of research is still being done (and ongoing for the foreseeable future), but some of the simpler, in-your-face facts about these drinks just can’t be ignored.

As an alcoholic who enjoys a carefully-chosen, calming release like anyone else, this writer recently found that a THC-infused, low milligram seltzer like the Hemp Doctor’s Southern High, provides a “deep, end-of-day breath or relief” without the destructive components that I couldn’t control with alcohol addiction. I may be an exception to the rule, but the occasional cannabis beverage is for me, delicious, enjoyable and yes — social. Much better than the several bottles of wine a day that nearly put me in the grave. So this “Canna-Sober” movement as I call it (in fact, i may have just coined the phrase) is a welcome addition to life. I’m 3 1/2 years sober from a vicious addiction so I pay extremely close attention to my addictive tendencies. And with addiction always flying high on the radar, these new drinks are a manageable replacement.

Editor’s Pick:

4-Pack THC seltzer drinks: Southern High D9:CBG Seltzer

Southern High – The Hemp Doctor’s latest Delta 9 THC and CBG Seltzer. With four delicious flavors, Southern High offers a sophisticated refreshment with 5mg Delta 9 THC and 10mg CBG per 12oz can.

Sugar-free, gluten-free, and alcohol-free, it’s perfect for spring break, summer vacations, and weekends. Order now!

Zero Hangover, Zero Calories, Zero Sugars, 100% Chill

Dr. Staci Gruber, an associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School who directs the Marijuana Investigations for Neuroscientific Discovery (MIND) Program at McLean Hospital, notes that many people are exploring cannabis drinks as part of the “Cali sober” trend — a lifestyle that involves abstaining from alcohol (or moderating consumption) while using cannabis products.

“People are interested in an experience that allows them to relax and enjoy themselves,” explained Dr. Gruber in a piece in Harvard Health publishing. “Some are leaning into cannabis drinks as part of this movement.”

Understanding Cannabis-Infused Drinks

Cannabis beverages typically contain cannabinoids extracted from the Cannabis sativa plant. The two primary compounds in these drinks are:

• THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol): The psychoactive component that produces intoxication or euphoria and may help with pain and nausea relief. You may call it Delta 9.
• CBD (cannabidiol): A non-intoxicating compound with potential anxiety-relieving properties and other medical applications. At my company, Cbdeeme, which sells only highly-rated products — including cannabis-infused drinks, gummies, oils and flower — we get a smile a mile wide anytime we hear from someone that one of our CBD gummies have had a powerful impact on their sleep or anxiety conditions.

Unlike traditional edibles like gummies or brownies, cannabis beverages are formulated with cannabinoids that dissolve in liquid, allowing for faster absorption into the body’s soft tissues. While edibles typically take 30–90 minutes to take effect, cannabis drinks may produce effects within 15–20 minutes.

Dosing varies widely across products. Some “low-dose” options contain just 2–4mg of THC per 8-ounce serving, while others may contain as much as 200mg. Many products also include other ingredients like caffeine or even alcohol. Our top pick to date has been these very refreshing THC Southern High seltzers which (at least to this author) taste better than most of the household straight-seltzer brands I’ve tried. Strawberry Lemonade and Berry Blast hold dear spots in my heart and gut.

Cannabis Drinks Alcohol Alternatives: Pros and Cons

Potential Benefits:

• Fewer calories: Many cannabis beverages contain fewer calories than alcoholic drinks.
• No hangover: Cannabis typically doesn’t produce the severe hangover effects associated with alcohol.
• Less organ damage: Unlike alcohol, cannabis doesn’t cause liver cirrhosis or the same level of long-term organ damage.
• Potential therapeutic effects: Some users report benefits for pain, anxiety, and sleep issues. I can happily report “less anxiety.”

Potential Drawbacks:

• Unpredictable effects: Individual responses to cannabis vary significantly, making dosing challenging. Cbdeeme has an extensive dosing guide section and we’re publishing something this week specifically related to CBD-infused beverages.
• Increased vulnerability for older adults: As drug metabolism slows with age, older individuals may experience more intense or unpleasant effects. This is why it’s common sense to start conservatively and see where you pan out before diving in without a benchmark.
• Possible anxiety or paranoia: Some users experience increased heart rate, blood pressure, anxiety, or even paranoia. Ask your doctor if you have any concerns before even trying one of these drinks.
• Potential for dependence: While generally considered less addictive than alcohol, cannabis can still lead to dependency issues.
• Unknown long-term effects: Research on long-term impacts of regular cannabis beverage consumption is still limited.

Cannabis Drinks Alcohol Alternatives: A Cost Comparison

Cannabis beverages (many come in the form of a seltzer of a syrup) typically range from $5–20 per serving, depending on potency, brand, and location. This places them in a similar price bracket to craft beers and mid-range cocktails, though costs can vary significantly based on:

• Local taxes: States with legal cannabis often impose substantial taxes on these products.
• Production methods: Specialized extraction techniques for water-soluble cannabinoids increase manufacturing costs.
• Brand positioning: Premium brands command higher prices, particularly those with precise dosing or organic ingredients.

Full disclosure that I launched Cbdeeme in the fall of 2024 as a result of a very personal and positive experience dosing with CBD gummies after facing debilitating sleep and anxiety issues that were the result from a professional alcohol detox experience. And so, in growing out the company and spreading the word, I’m humbled by anyone who subscribes to the Cbdeeme Weekly Buzz newsletter that features hand-selected deals, new content and updates on the industry.

Legal and Practical Considerations

The legal landscape for cannabis beverages remains complex and varies by state. Even in states where recreational cannabis is legal, age restrictions and where these products can be sold differ widely.

Unlike alcohol, which has established testing methods, there’s no reliable roadside test for cannabis impairment, creating challenges for those who need to drive or operate machinery after consumption.

Making an Informed Choice

If you’re considering trying cannabis beverages, do some research beyond this article and always approach with some caution. You’ll better control your experience until you confidently know how a particular product affects you.

Key recommendations include:

• Start with low doses (2–5mg THC)
• Wait at least an hour before consuming more
• Avoid mixing with alcohol
• Plan for transportation if consuming outside your home
• Check ingredient lists carefully, especially for caffeine or alcohol content

Recommended Reading

For those interested in exploring this topic further, consider these resources:

1. “Cannabis Pharmacy: The Practical Guide to Medical Marijuana” by Michael Backes — A comprehensive guide to cannabis products and their effects.
2. “The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids” by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine — A scientific examination of cannabis’s health impacts.
3. “Drink?: The New Science of Alcohol and Your Health” by Dr. David Nutt — While focused on alcohol, this book provides excellent context for understanding alternatives.
4. “The Sober Curious Reset” by Ruby Warrington — Explores the broader movement toward mindful drinking and sobriety.
5. “Higher Etiquette: A Guide to the World of Cannabis, from Dispensaries to Dinner Parties” by Lizzie Post — A practical guide to navigating cannabis culture.

As the cannabis beverage market continues to evolve and research advances, consumers will undoubtedly gain access to more information about these products. For now, approaching cannabis drinks with an informed, cautious mindset is the most responsible approach for anyone curious about this rising and popular alcohol alternative.

Have questions around what’s legal and what’s not when it comes to taking your new CBD products on the road? Explore our new legal and safety section.